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Ennis v Farah: a battle for the ages

Remember the good old days of The Pest and Fitzy? Country will take on City for the last time. (AAP Image/Lukas Coch)
Roar Guru
2nd May, 2013
6

I love watching Bulldogs v Tigers matches. In the past, they were renowned for being extremely physical, tough games played out by two passionate Western Sydney rivals.

But since 2009, they are notable for showcasing an intense rivalry between two bitter opponents. Perhaps even, the greatest player rivalry that exists in the NRL today.

Of course, I am referring to Michael Ennis and Robbie Farah.

Both men have a lot in common. They play the same position, are both captains of their respective teams and share similar accolades.

Yet, their hatred for one-another is so great that they can’t bring themselves to mention each others’ names in televised interviews. Prior to Round 1 2011, when Robbie was asked by Warren Smith about his thoughts of clashing head-on with Michael Ennis, he coyly replied “Mick who?”

When the two are on the field, their hatred becomes readily apparent. Both stand off at opposing sides of the ruck, unloading verbal pot-shots across the play-the-ball.

If one decides to take a scoot from dummy half, you can always bet that the other will be there to make the tackle.

Whenever a scrum is packed, you can see the look of detest on their faces as they lock in. I’m sure some really nice things are said while they’re in this position.

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Michael and Robbie’s reasons for despising each-other run deep into their careers. After the departure of Danny Buderus from State of Origin at the close of the 2008 series, New South Wales began searching for a replacement hooker.

All of a sudden, the Bulldogs v Tigers games became an Origin audition for Michael and Robbie. The two have been battling each other for the coveted role ever since.

Robbie scored first points against Mick by being selected for the first two matches of the ’09 Series. But due to a poor showing he was soon replaced by Ennis for game three, who performed well in a Blues victory.

However, Michael was at the forefront of a Blue’s whitewash the following year. He was heavily criticised for his poor service from dummy-half and for often giving away penalties when the Blue’s least needed him to.

Some even called for him never to play Origin again.

Despite this, he was picked for all three matches of the 2011 series, but again didn’t play a significant role in any of the games.

Why their rivalry has remained so heated over the years, I’m guessing, is due to the fact that neither player has been able to cement the role of Blue’s hooker. Every year they feel as though they are an even chance to earn the jersey.

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That’s probably why, in the Queensland circle, no-one has such a torrid relationship with Cameron Smith. All other eligible hookers understand that as long as he is fit and playing, they have no chance of being the Maroons’ No. 9.

This fact is reinforced by Ricky Stuart’s admission last year that Danny Buderus was his first choice for Blues hooker. Ricky believed that a 34 year-old veteran would perform better than either Michael or Robbie.

At least this admission proved to be more of a slap in the face for Robbie than any of Ennis’ sledges.

Robbie has lifted his game immensely since this time and is now the clear choice for Laurie Daley as the Blues hooker.

Statistically, Ennis is no-where near Farah at the moment. However, it’s not beyond the realm of possibility that if Mick completely dominates Robbie on Friday and plays out of his skin for the next month that he could be the one walking out onto ANZ for game one as the Blues No.9.

While this is unlikely, Mick will believe he is still a chance.

Although Robbie is the incumbent and Michael’s form hasn’t been great, neither one will be willing to bury the hatchet and I expect fireworks this Friday night in what is surely the most fervent contest between two players going around in league these days.

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